Wednesday, June 27, 2007

I may have mentioned it but I slammed my thumb on my door a few weeks back. It got black and blue. Well each day I put on a band-aid to hide it from people so no one gets grossed out. I mean this thing is ugly and I'm thinking it's gonna be like this for atleast 3-6 months. Well at the end of the day, you can imagine what shape this band-aid is in. You know it's been to the restroom with me, been under the water from washing my hands, has food all up in it from lunch... well I was smelling my finger just now and it's stiiiinky... and after taking the band-aid off my finger nail looks like it's about to fall off... i think i will soon be walking around with a stubb.

Earl Simmons (born on December 18, 1970), better known by his stage name, DMX, is an American rapper and actor who rose to popularity in the late-1990s. He was voted on MTV top 20 greatest rappers of all time.

Earl Simmons was born in Baltimore,Maryland, the second of five children. His father left the family when he was young. Simmons grew up in the Housing Projects On School St, in Yonkers, New York. He began rapping around the age of 13,[citation needed]. A local rapper eventually asked Simmons to beatbox for him. Simmons took the professional name DMX, after the Oberheim DMX, an early drum machine. He later adapted the name to mean "Dark Man X".[1] He honed his skills during a stint at a group home. As a teenager, Simmons was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.[2] He spent much of his adolescence and early adulthood in and out of jail.

So the iPhone buzz is just insane... people are waiting in line already in front of Apple Stores... I'm locked into Verizon for another year... sucky... anyone want to buy my contract off me? will Steve Jobs prove to be midas again? i wonder if the iPhone can wipe my ass for me.

Little Brother is an American hip-hop group from North Carolina that consists of Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh. Producer 9th Wonder was a part of the group since its inception, but left before recording the album The Getback. Their debut album The Listening (2003) was highly acclaimed, and was followed by The Chittlin Circuit 1.5 mixtape in 2005 and the group's second album, The Minstrel Show, also released in 2005. The group tours frequently with their official DJ, Flash.

Little Brother formed in Durham, NC at North Carolina Central University in 1998. The group began as a trio, featuring members Phonte (Phonte Coleman), Big Pooh (Thomas Jones), and producer 9th Wonder (Pat Douthit). They are founding members of the North Carolina hip-hop collective called The Justus League, under the umbrella music group The Hall of Justus.

Global was born a Bboy in the state of Maryland. After lounging in VA, Md, and DC, the Emejulus settled into their beautiful homeland of Nigeria. This is where his hunger for knowledge and collective unity was born. While in Nigeria, Global learned about soccer, Igbo metaphysics, and the Chukwu mystery school system. From there, he then transitioned to his home away from home, Dallas Texas.

It was in Dallas Texas that Global first witnessed the dichotomy of abject poverty and enormous wealth. From the slums of the states streets to the mansions of Highland Park, he learned at an early age that this system is built upon inequity and exploitation.

Have you seen An Inconvenient Truth? If not... I'd highly recommend it.. Al Gore paints a picture of the state of our world that will blow your mind... to me it seems like we have already passed the tipping point... the next ice age will soon be upon us... is it too late to get that Toyota Prius?!? :)

While many wannabes talk about how they are going to blow, how much they grind, what they are going to do some day somehow, but sit around doing nothing, CREW54 rose from the darkness to get the shine they deserve. Beginning as a simple one song collaborative effort between G-Christ of The Texas Immigrants, and masterOFself of The M7 Movement; the CREW54 is ready to take their place the Central Texas Hip-Hop scene and beyond.

Friday, June 22, 2007

I don't usually follow what's going on in California... but I just heard Arnold Schwarzenegger on Jim Lehrer and the Terminator sounds pretty impressive. Even if he still sounds like the Terminator... "I'll be back"...

From vinyl manipulation on the turntables, to current production of jazz infused hiphop tracks, Crowd Control Records CEO, NickNack is a true soundcraftsman. His musical journey began in the late 80's after making the transition from hiphop spectator to participant. Cutting his teeth from the very beginning as a young appreciative turntablist knocking off rivals at Dallas' Sound Wars battles in the mid-nineties, Nick has worked hard to encompass a broad vision of ability, and a verbose sense of instrumentality, to match his already fruitful passion for music.

These days you can find Nick performing/touring with the jazz band BLAZE, or hear him rocking dance floors at various downtown clubs. Most recently, Nick has been enjoying the success of his latest full length release, "Improving Silence". The record has garnered him international attention and sales have been phenomenal. His progression as an artist and deejay is quite obvious, but his job is never done. Always in exploration of advancing his full turntablist potentials, and with countless projects on the horizon, Nick has grown into a unique artist, in a constant search of endeavors new and improved. Stay tuned, because this is only the beginning.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

The other day in USA Today there was an article, "Can rap regain its crown?"... It says that rap sales have dropped 33% from 2006 more than any other genre... like the article says... there is only so much bling the public can take...

"My roots sprang from long years of work with poetry and self expression. When the walls of poetry could no longer house my expression and art it began to twist and warp itself into spoken word patterns that became the basis for my freestyle. My desire to sharpen my freestyle abilities would lead me to multiple MC Battle competitions throughout the states, the largest being ScribbleJam 10 in Cinncinatti, Ohio where I competed against some of the most talented artist in America. Now that my battle element is sleeping I'm working on my first national release under BabyGrande Records due to be released in 2007. I am still officially unsigned however, as the Babygrande release is a single 12" vinyl deal. Horoscopes say the buzz from the single and the corresponding video release we shot this year will give my roster and I the recognition we have been working on for the past three years."

The Sugarhill Gang is an American hip hop and Funk group, known mostly for their biggest hit, "Rapper's Delight", the first hip hop single to become a Top 40 hit. The track uses the bass line from "Good Times" by Chic as its foundation. The members, all from New York City, called themselves Wonder Mike, Big Bank Hank, and Master Gee. They were assembled into a group by producer Sylvia Robinson who also founded Sugar Hill Records along with her husband record mogul Joe Robinson.

"Rapper's Delight" was a #36 hit on the US pop chart and a #4 hit on the US R&B chart in 1979 (see 1979 in music), though hip-hop was dismissed as a brief fad. The Sugarhill Gang never again topped the charts, though they had a few minor hits, such as "Apache", "Eighth Wonder", which was also performed on America's hit music show, Soul Train in 1981, "Rapper's Reprise [Jam Jam]", and "Showdown" (with the Furious Five). In 1989 (see 1989 in music), they reunited and recorded "Jump on It", a hip hop children's album. They continue to tour.

Some claim that "Rapper's Delight" is the first hip-hop single ever, but it was actually preceded by "King Tim III (Personality Jock)" by the Fatback Band. The term "rap" is also claimed to be derived from the title of Rapper's Delight. In addition, Grandmaster Caz from the Cold Crush Brothers claims that Sugarhill Gang member Big Bank Hank used his rhymes on "Rapper's Delight". This claim is attributed to the lyrics "I'm the C-A-S-A-N the O-V-A and the rest is F-L-Y," used by Big Bank Hank in the song. (At the time Grandmaster Caz regularly referred to himself as "Casanova Fly.") It is said that Grandmaster Caz wrote Big Bank Hank's lyrics for the entire song. But the Sugarhill Gang's place in music history seems secure as the first hip hop group to have a Gold single.

DJ Eleven began his career in Oakland, CA as a founder of Local 1200, a crew that includes the most sought-after club DJs in the Bay Area. Working and living in New York City for 6 years, Eleven uses his large, diverse music collection and extensive experience to keep crowds moving in the hottest nightspots on both coasts.

Eleven has moved crowds at high-profile events such as Spitkicker’s monthly party in NYC (founded by esteemed hip-hop MC Talib Kweli and members of De La Soul) and the 5-year anniversary of Philadelphia’s longest-running hip-hop party, Remedy 215. During the summer of 2003, Eleven served as tour DJ for the Nike Battleground Tour street ball tournament. He’s also spun at issue release parties for Mugshot Magazine and Wax Poetics and private parties for And1, Universal Music Group, Motown Records, and Complex Magazine

This DJ’s greatest strength is his uncanny ability to get any crowd out of their seats and keep them dancing all night long. His wide musical range allows him to spin sets including Hip-Hop/ contemporary R&B, Breaks and Rare Grooves, Disco/Funk/Soul, Reggae, and ‘80’s, with the skill that brings party people back for more.

This is a head to head producer battle that only leaves one beat maker left on stage. If you're an up and coming beat maker who wants to test their skillz against local talent, then this event is for you. The Austin Beat Battle is in direct connection with New York's IPA Battle, which was the very first of its kind. The battle will be held every month at Flamingo Cantina in Austin. For further details on the rules of the battle refrence the IPA webpage at www.ipa-battle.com.

The Greater East Austin Youth Association (GEAYA) is a volunteer organization established in 1975 to provide organized and structured sports activities for the economically disadvantaged youth of East Austin. Since its inception, GEAYA strives to provide quality programs for boys and girls in the area. The principle for these efforts, in addition to providing a safe and fun environment for competitive participation, is to instill and reinforce a strong sense of values in the youth we serve.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Ooo... I've never heard of this lounge before... Merkaba Lounge... haha... I love their description of the place... "convenience of nearby IH-35 combined with the elegant panache of a Warehouse District club"... haha... M.C. Flint @ Merkaba Lounge on June 14th.

MC Flint is known for his unique verbal expressions on the mic! He has the ability to keep up with any beat and make an astonishing performance memorable. MC Flint has worked with many great artists such as, D:Fuse (his primary DJ), Mike Hiratzka, Chris Anderson, Cameron Vanpeebles, Johnny Invisible, DJ Protege, Jason Jenkins, Peter Martin, Tarek of lick samba, Toddy B., Dj Rebel, Bigg Benn, Icons of Industry, Shrapnul, Tee Double, Aron Morriss, Epriam Owens, Fish, Merrick Brown, John Busch, Electric Jake, and the list goes on to include numerous other artist such as BMC, CLE, and Lance Cashion.

Always a beat freak, this MC continually aims at accentuating the music and vibe in a room. I mc with the intent of improving the record, not just to hear my own voice, HE SAYS. The rhythmic chatter of this rapper creates a unified vibe on the floors he performs for. True to his name, Flint always brings the spark that starts the fire, burning down clubs from Spundae in Hollywood to Ultra Fest in Miami.

So what does the future hold for MC Flint? Watch as he continues to perform and expand his career to ultimately be THE MC you cant live without! MC FLINT

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Went down to the Danskin Triathlon this morning... that was pretty amazing... I can't imagine swimming, biking and running all after another... much props... I was already tired walking the mile from the parking site to the race site. whew. ;)

Dubbed "One of Texas' brightest new stars" by legendary rapper The D.O.C., Bavu Blakes is the ultimate wordsmith by both definitions. He is the 2006 Austin Music Award winner for best hip-hop act, a freelance journalist who has published stories in the Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and the Urban Music Director (and on-air personality) of Time Warner's Music and Entertainment Television.

Equally adept at writing, performing and freestyling, Mr. Blakes offers both clarity and hype. While words and rhymes are clearly where his talents shine, he places equal importance on beats. By defining tracks in terms of mood, rhythm and melody, he makes the music sound better. Creating a sense of cohesion between the lyrics and beats, Mr. Blakes's music reveals this approach through clever, thought-provoking lyrics over diverse beats guaranteed to entice any listener's ear.

D-Madness aka Dwayne Jackson is the baddest musician in this world. In the studio, he basically plays everything but horns. He was playing in orchestras, overseas, by his teens. He's played in studios, bars and clubs since his teenage years. If you need ANYTHING between cello parts and vocal percussion, D-Madness can help you. He is the ultimate session musician. On stage, the normal D-Madness setup is bass guitar or electric guitar, drums, his ASR-10 production keyboard and a vocal mic. He might also play a cheek solo, a nearby beer bottle, or double-time his bass drum with the sticks (even ex-Living Colour drummer, Will Calhoun, was baffled). When Japan's DJ Krush first saw him perform, he asked D to play bass guitar and violin on his next record. When Erykah Badu saw him soundcheckin' at her Black Forest Theater (near his native Oak Cliff, Texas), she pushed him later in the schedule so Prince could see him.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

So I'm now typing this on my new Dell E1505 with Ubuntu installed... it's pretty nice... bought it to support Dell's decision in supporting Ubuntu... but it seems like there was some news today that Dell was dropping extended warranty support for it because they think that Linux is more harmful to hardware. Someone's an idiot over there. Might it be Mr. Dell himself?!? Disappointing.

Snyp and Da’Shade have been performing together since 1998. After struggling to find a lane in the game, they decided to make their own path and Bo guard their way into the industry with social and political themes that seem to be unpopular in today's music, and media. Hence the name Blacklisted Individuals official since 2003. At a Blacklisted Show you will be both entertained and enlightened by music, spoken word, and stage combat. (Stage Combat provided by: Cry Havoc Action Choreography.) This Fusion of genres will surely be something to leave talking about.